COMMUNICABLE

DISEASES
Causes and Prevention

-Presentation by:
Anushka Jaiswal
12th PCM, Seth Mr Jaipuria School, Goel
Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
What are communicable diseases?
◦ A communicable disease is any disease that passes between people or
animals. People sometimes refer to communicable diseases as
“infectious” or “transmissible” diseases.
◦ Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, cause
communicable diseases.
◦ Communicable diseases can transmit through contact with bodily fluids,
insect bites, contaminated surfaces, water, and foods, or through the air.
 Symptoms
◦ Once a pathogen has entered a person’s body, it often will begin replicating. The
individual may then begin to experience symptoms.
◦ Symptoms will vary depending on the disease. Some people will not experience any
symptoms. However, they can still transmit the pathogen.
◦ Some symptoms are a direct result of the pathogen damaging the body’s cells. Others
are due to the body’s immune response to the infection.
◦ Some communicable diseases may be mild, and symptoms pass after a few days.
However, some can be serious and potentially life threatening. Symptom severity may
vary depending on a person’s overall health and immune function.
Viruses Bacteria

Types
Four main types of pathogens
cause infection

Fungi Protozoa
 Viruses
Viruses are tiny pathogens that contain genetic material.
Unlike other pathogens, they lack the complex structure
of a cell.
To replicate, they must enter the cells of other living
beings. Once inside, they use the cell’s machinery to
make copies of themselves.
 Bacteria
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. They
exist in almost every environment on earth, including
inside the human body.
Many bacteria are harmless, and some help the body to
function. However, bacteria can also cause infections
that damage the body.
 Fungi
Fungi are a type of organism that includes yeasts,
molds, and mushrooms. There are millions
Trusted Source of different fungi. However, only
around 300 cause harmful illnesses.
Fungal infections can occur anywhere in the body.
However, they commonly affect the skin and mucus
membranes.
 Protozoa
Protozoa are microscopic organisms that typically
consist of a single cell.
Some protozoa are parasitic, meaning they live on or
inside another organism and use the organism’s
nutrients for their own survival. Parasitic protozoa
can cause various diseases.
 Common Communicable Diseases
Rhinoviruses
Rhinoviruses are a group of viruses that are the most common cause of the
common cold. Symptoms of a cold may include:
1-a stuffy or runny nose
2-sore throat
3-headache
A person can catch a rhinovirus by inhaling contaminated droplets from the
cough or sneeze of another person.
Similarly, rhinoviruses are spread by people touching their nose, eyes, or
mouth after touching items or surfaces that have come into contact with the
virus.
 Common Communicable Diseases
Coronaviruses
These are a large group of viruses that affect the respiratory system. This family
includes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some coronaviruses can cause common cold
and flu symptoms, while others can cause more severe outcomes.

Influenza
These  viruses are infections that attack the respiratory system. Some symptoms
are: Fever, runny nose, headache, sore throat, fatigue, etc. A person can catch
influenza viruses in the same way they may catch rhinoviruses.
 Common Communicable Diseases
HIV
It attacks the immune system of its host. This makes the person vulnerable to other
infections and diseases. A person can contract HIV as a result of contact with blood or
other body fluids containing the virus. The symptoms of HIV may develop gradually
and can include: fever, chills, rash, mouth sores, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes,
night sweats, muscle aches, fatigue. The only way a person can be certain they have
HIV is to have an HIV test. Although there is no cure for HIV, medications can help to
keep the virus under control or make it undetectable. Without such treatment, HIV can
develop into AIDS. Other medications can help prevent a person from contracting HIV.
People at high risk of HIV and those who believe they may have had exposure to it
should speak with their primary healthcare professional about these options.
 Common Communicable Diseases
Tuberculosis
TB is a bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs. It may cause the
following symptoms:
•a cough continuing for more than weeks
•fever
•chills
•night sweats
•Loss of appetite
•Unintentional weight loss
A person can catch TB by inhaling tiny droplets or “aerosols” from the cough
or sneeze of a person who has the infection.
 Causes
A person may develop a communicable disease after becoming infected by
the pathogen. This may happen through:
•direct contact with a person carrying the pathogen
•contact with bodily fluids containing pathogens
•inhaling pathogen-containing droplets from another person’s cough or
sneeze
•receiving a bite from an animal or insect carrying the pathogen
•consuming contaminated water or foods
 Prevention
•People can reduce their risk of contracting or transmitting disease-causing pathogens
by following the steps below:
•disinfecting surfaces at home often, especially doorknobs and food areas
•disinfecting personal items such as phones
•cooking meats, eggs, and other foods thoroughly
•practicing good hygiene when preparing and handling food
•avoiding eating spoiled food
•avoiding touching wild animals
•receiving available vaccinations
•taking antimalarial medications when traveling where there is a malaria risk
•check for ticks and other parasites
•Washing hands regularly and thoroughly
 Summary
Communicable diseases are diseases that can pass from person to person. The
pathogens that cause these diseases can spread in various ways, such as through
the air, contact with contaminated substances or surfaces, or from animal and
insect bites.
Many communicable diseases cause mild symptoms that go away without
treatment. Others require treatment to prevent them from becoming more
serious.
There are steps a person can take to reduce their risk of contracting and
transmitting disease-causing pathogens. These include receiving available
vaccinations, practicing regular handwashing, and maintaining good hygiene at
home.